Meg’s Miles

This week Meg Cross Menzies, an avid runner (training for the Boston Marathon), a full-time mommy (mother of 3 young children), wife, daughter, and friend was tragically hit and killed by a drunk driver when she was out for a run at 8 in the morning. I learned of this tragedy through some of my blogging networks as well as through a former high school friend who is a member of the same running community as Meg. This senseless tragedy hits close to home as she has a life that resembles mine. It is a reminder that this kind of tragedy can happen to any of us. We must hold our loved ones close and cherish every day.

It is unimaginable to know the grief that her family and loved ones are going through. In response to these events the running community throughout the world has joined together and pledged to run for “Meg’s Miles” on Saturday, January 18, 2014. If you would like to join this virtual run as a group or as an individual you can find out more by visiting the Facebook page that has been created for “Meg’s Miles.”

Here is an excerpt about the Virtual Run that will take place on Saturday:

#megsmiles

“Meg Cross Menzies was tragically killed by a drunk driver while out for her morning run on January 13, 2014. As an avid runner, member of the Richmond Road Runners Club, and Boston marathoner, she was a member of the running family nationwide. In her honor, our hope is to raise awareness of drunk driving, texting and driving, and overall safety of runners and cyclists everywhere.

This Saturday, January 18, 2014, no matter what your distance, no matter where you live, run for Meg. Take in the fresh air, be aware of your surroundings, keep your headphones on low, feel the heaviness in your lungs, the soreness in your legs, and be grateful for it–for all of it. The sweat, the pain, the wind, the cold…everything. Be grateful for that moment.

Feel free to post pictures of yourself pre-run or post-run, post your distance, post your thoughts, prayers, condolences with the hashtag #megsmiles. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook. Let all runners unite together and remember the loss of a beautiful spirit. It’s not a coincidence the hashtag reads either “Meg’s Miles” or “Meg Smiles.” She will be smiling on all of us forevermore.”

If you would like to make a donation to help Meg’s family (She leaves behind a husband and three small children. ), here is a way that you can help:

You can make donations the the Ashland Police Foundation, which helps members of the Ashland Police Force when needed—Meg’s husband is an Ashland Police Officer.

Send donations to:

Ashland Foundation

601 England Street

Ashland, VA 23005

SOURCE:Goodman said donations can be made to the Ashland Police Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization established to help its members in times of need. Donations can be sent to the Ashland Foundation, 601 England Street, Ashland, Va., 23005. –Richmond Times Dispatch

I hope that you will please consider joining. Please wear Purple and Blue in honor of Meg and please stay safe on the road. I will be running tomorrow with many of my mom running friends.